What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Advocate (Part-Time) position at Lower Columbia College?
Details
At a Glance! Partnering with parents and teachers, the part-time Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Family Advocate has the primary responsibility of serving a caseload of children and families through; conducting home visits, family assessments, tracking child attendance, tracking routine child medical/dental care and treatment follow up. The Family Advocate also facilitates parent engagement through the identification of family strengths and needs, provides community resources and referrals to overcome barriers, and supports parents as the primary educator and nurturer of their child.
We currently have two openings for a part-time Family Advocate:
- AM session 8:00-11:30, hours will vary based on family/center needs
- PM session 12:30-4:00, hours will vary based on family/center needs
The Family Advocate reports directly to the Area Manager and is classified as a Social Work Assistant II under State of Washington Classified Job Specification and within the Washington Federation of State Employees for Higher Education.
This position is a non-permanent classified position working no more than 19 hours per week. This position will require in-person work and will be responsible for carrying out their duties at the LCC East Head Start location.
Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Start, see the Annual Report (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) and join our Social Media page.
Example of Duties & Responsibilities
General Tasks:
- Work in partnership with families to assist in their growth and development to achieve their highest potential. Establishes friendly cooperative relationships with parents.
- Maintain knowledge of Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Performance Standards, Washington State Administrative Code for Licensed Child Care centers and program policies and procedures.
- Complete home visits and ensure monthly contact with families.
- Ability to work with parents from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Is aware of the unique needs of families who are impoverished, from a different culture or are experiencing trauma.
Seeks and utilizes parent input into all aspects of the program: curriculum ideas for classroom, home learning ideas and activities for the Center Parent Meeting/Family Events.
Teaming with parents and staff
- Shares relevant information about the child and family with the Direct Service Team (Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Child & Family Development Specialists, Family Advocates), Area Manager and other Leadership members.
- Maintains child site files, holds and participates in weekly case management staffing regarding families with teachers.
- Interacts positively with children and parents to support their individual learning style and encourages their social-emotional development by:
- Developing and maintaining a relationship with children and families which is open and friendly and encourages engagement in the program through promotion of nurturing parent-child relationships.
- Is actively aware of existing and new community resources that provide child and family services.
Maintains complete, objective, and confidential records for children and families in accordance with program standards, state and federal laws.
Physical Requirements
Seldom = 1 – 10% of the time
- Seldon stack chairs
- Seldom maintain sight and sound supervision of up to 18 children with a co-teacher
- Seldom - in emergency situations, pick up children, up to 80 lbs. (with assistance)
- Seldom - multiple uses of bleach solution for cleaning/sanitizing classroom daily/weekly
Occasionally = 11 - 33% of the time
- Occasionally bend over to pick up items and/or assist children
- Occasionally bend over to pick up items and/or assist children
- Occasionally sit either on child-sized chairs or the floor at home visits
- Occasionally walk – during outside play
Frequently = 34 - 66% of the time
- Frequently drive to and from families' homes to complete home visits
- Frequently extended periods of standing
- Frequently lift – of files and papers (up to 5lbs.)
- Frequently– sit for long periods of time (up to 7 hours) for data-basing or during mandatory trainings
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
-
An Associate's degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in Adult Education, Human Development, Human Services, Family Support, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or another field directly related to their job responsibilities
- These 30 credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree; or A DCYF-approved credential from a comprehensive and competency-based Family/Social Service training program that increases knowledge and skills in providing direct services to families (ECEAP)
- Demonstrated competency in planning, organizing, scheduling record keeping
- Demonstrated ability to clearly explain complex processes across multiple communication channels (verbal, email, etc.) to individuals from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- Ability to work with parents from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Is aware of the unique needs of families who are impoverished, from a different culture or are experiencing trauma
- Ability to develop and maintain a relationship with children and families that is open and friendly, and encourages nurturing parent-child relationships
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of computers and keyboarding
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor of Social Work or a Bachelor’s Degree in human services, family services, counseling or a related field and; four years of experience as a Social Work Assistant I or equivalent
- Knowledgeable in Early Childhood Development and has the ability to work with children of all ages
- Knowledge of existing and new community resources that provide child and family services
Bilingual preferred
Prior to First Day of Employment
- Washington State Patrol Background Check
- Sex Offender Registry Check
- TB test completed within the last year
- Food Worker Card
- Valid Driver’s License
- Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting)
- Policy Council Approval
- Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include:
MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles
The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.
Supplemental Information
How to apply:
An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):
- Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position
- Resume
- References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor
- Unofficial transcripts
Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Residency Requirement
To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.
Lower Columbia College Human Resources
For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at hr@lowercolumbia.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, title9@lowercolumbia.edu, Phone number, (360) 442-2270, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.
- Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
- The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.
- The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.
Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct
Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.
Conditions of Employment
- If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to the WFSE HE collective bargaining agreement.
- The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.
- If you are hired and are proficient in Spanish, you will have to take a Spanish proficiency test to receive the 5% assignment pay.
Anticipated Start Date
LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.
Salary : $24 - $32